Apparatus for consolidating plastic materials by means of internally applied vibrations



Sept. 9, 1941. R w, BA|LY A2,255,344

APPARATUS FOR CONSOLIDATING PLASTIC MATERIALS BY MEANS 0F INTERNALLY APPLIED VIBRATIONS Original Filed May 14, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet l Sept. 9, 1941.A R. w. BAILY 2,255,344 APPARATUS FOR CONSOLIDATING PLASTIC MATERIALS BY' MEANS 0F INTERNALLY APPLIED VIBRATIONS Original Filed May 14,' 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ,/7 fz l if( f//ff/ Mgt @M/@ o n I Patented Sept. 9, 1941 APPARATUS FOR CONSOLIDATING PLASTIC MATERIALS BY MEANS F INTERNALLY APPLIED YIBRATION S Robert William Baily, Narberth, Pa.

Continuation of application Serial No. 725,580, May 14, 1934. This application September 6,

1938, Serial No. 228,625

8 Claims.

An object of my invention is to provide a method of consolidating plastic materials by applied vibrations by means of a supporting member having a plurality of vibrators depending therefrom, the supporting member being movable to successive positions for subjecting the entire mass of a pavement or the like to the vibrations inasmuch as the concrete while still plastic and before initial set has occurred will be vibrated at considerable distance from the points at which the vibrating elements are inserted. l

More particularly, it is my object to provide a method for treating plastic material used for pavements and various other purposes, consisting of the subjection of the interior of the mass of material to vibrations imparted to it by a pluv rality of vibrating mechanisms functioning at imbedded positions in the plastic material.

Another object is to provide suitable apparatus including vibrating mechanisms adapted to be inserted into and drawn from or through the mass of plastic material so as to subject the same at suitable intervals to vibrations and thus result in properly consolidating the entire mass.

With these and other objects in view my method consists in the steps hereinafter designated and my apparatus consists in the construetion, arrangement and combination of the various parts thereof, whereby the .objects contemplated are attained, as set forth more in detail in my specication, pointed out in my claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which,

Figure 1 is a front elevation of one form of my apparatus for consolidating plastic materials by means of internally applied vibrations.

Figure 2 is aplan view of a slightly modified form of the invention.

Figure 3 is a front elevation of the form shown vin Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a sectional view on the line 4-4 of Figure 1 showing the parts on an enlarged scale.

Figure 5 is an enlarged sectional view on the line 5-5 of Figure 3, showing a vibration elimination connection.

Figure 5A is a sectional View on the line 5A` 5A of Figure 3.

of invention shown in Figures 2 and 3 and showing its action during operation.

Figure 7 is a plan view of one of the vibrating elements.

Figure 8 is a vertical sectional view of the same, as taken on the line 8 8 of Figure 3.

Figure 9 is a similar sectional view showing a dilierent mounting for the vibrating element.

Figure l0 is a sectional view of another modied form of the invention.

This application has the same disclosures as Baily Serial No. 114,877, which matured as Patent No. 2,180,660'on November 21, 1939, and which was a. vcontinuation of and disclosed the subjectmatter of Bally application Serial No. 725,580, led May 14, 1934.

In making vconcrete pavements and concrete foundations for-cther wearing surfaces, the concrete is ordinarily placed upon the subgrade to such a depth that when struck off by a screed or planer, it will have the desired elevation and contour. Various methods have been used to consolidate the concrete. Frequently a screed or planer with substantially vertical front face is drawn over the concrete. Usually the screed rests upon the side forms.

This screed imparts to the concrete at the surface a slight kneading or working action whichl quite often produces a surface of pleasing appearance, but which does not benecially aiect the major portion of the concrete below its surface.

the concrete, the force` of the tamping blows is absorbed by the upper portion of the concrete, with theresult that the lower portion of the mass is not beneficially affected.

Other methods more efficacious than the two above described consist in vibrating the screed, or in passing over the surface a vibrating roller.

Some methods agitate the concrete mass to its full depth, but due to the fact that in some cases the vibratory energy ls applied to the concrete mass at its upper surface, some ill effects have been observed. l

When the vibratory energy is applied to the surface of the concrete mass, the major portion of the agitation occurs in the upper part. of the mass, and when enough energy is applied to produce sufficient agitation in the lower portion, theV excess energy applied to the upper portion tends to bring to the surface various impurities, such as inert and non-cementitious materials, producing a condition called laitance. This pro- Figure 6 is a diagrammatic View of the form 55 duces a surface skin which is weak and tends Due, however, to the inertia or dead weight of to scale olf, leaving the concrete surface rough l time, thus providing less opportunity for\these impurities to rise to the surface.

I have found that by applying the vlbratory energy to the interior'of the mass of material, at closely spaced locations and to the full depth of the mass the concrete thereby receives uniform vibrating treatment through its full depth, eliminating all voids, expelling entrapped t air and surplus water, and giving to the mass of concrete the maximum degree of density and resistance to the infiltration of moisture Without causing the undesired impurities to rise to its surface.

By my present method and apparatus, I can apply vibration within the mass of concrete by inserting, at closely spaced intervals and to the full depth of the mass, vibratory units. Y

I shall now describe illustrative types of 'appa- .ratus which may be utilized for my purpose and then explain in greater detail the manner of Apracticing my method, although I may accomplish the same purpose with other forms of vibratory units and with modifications in the manner of their application to the plastic mass to be treated.

In Figure 1, I show a supporting member I0. It is of box-like construction and my subsequent description of Figures i and 8 apply to it and to vibrating elements I2 depending therefrom. The supporting member I is provided with runners or the like I4 adapted to travel on side forms I6 of a subgrade I8 or otheriixed means associatedvwith the material 20 adapted to support parts I4 at a predetermined level. Suitable hold down rods 22 are associated with the side forms to retain them in position in the ordinary manner. Concrete orother plastic material 28 is illustrated between the side forms. The concrete deposited between the side forms is initially roughly leveled 01T. The supporting member I0 spans the concrete between the side forms I6.

The member I8 is provided with manipulating Y handles 24, preferably attached to the supporting member by rubber bands or :the like 26 associated with pins 28 of the supporting member and pins 30 of the handles 24. 'Ihis method of attachment prevents transmission of vibrations from the supporting member` I0 to the handles 24 and is shown more in detail in my Patent No. 2,018,294 issued October 22, 1935.

The supporting member I0 and its vibrating elements I2 can be` raised and lowered, moved llongitudinally of the roadway, or be otherwise manipulated by the handles 24.

The vibrating elements I2 are so carried by the .supporting member I0 that they may penetrate into the plastic mass 20 to any desired depth, preferably the full depth of the plastic mass as indicated.

In Figures 2 and 3, I show a supporting mem ber |00. having the vibrating elements, I2 depending therefrom. A frame 32 is provided having wheels 34, providing a carriage for the supporting member Ia. Handles 24a are secured 'to the carriage, but ne'ed not be provided with the connections 26, 28, and 30 as the supporting member4 Illa is provided with such connections between it and the carriage as will now be described. A supporting plate 36 (see Figs. 5 and 5A) is provided for each end of the supporting member IDG. Pins 28a, extending from the member Illa and pins C extending from the plate 36, together with 30a rubber bands 26a, are provided as a means of connection between the supporting member I0a and the supporting plates 36. Each plate 36 is pivoted on a crank pin 38 and the crank pins are mounted olf center on the carriage wheels 34 as best shown in Figure 5A. The plates 36 are provided with arm-like extensions 4|! which are pivoted on crank pins 42 of a, crank shaft 44. 'I'he crank shaft 44 has the throw of its crank pins equal to the distance off center of the pins on fthe carriage wheels 34, is suitably journaled relative to the frame 32 and is geared by gears 46 and 48 and idler pinions 50 to the carriage wheels for rotation in the same direction and at the same speed so as to remain level (illustrated by a dotted line position in Fig. 5A) in all positions of rotation of the carriage wheels 34 and thereby keep the supporting member I0a level at all times.

, 'Ihe vibrating elements versally hung relative to the supporting members I0 and Illa. I have shown this arrangement more in detail in Figures 7 and 8 wherein I2 are preferably unithe vibrating element will be observed as a casing within which is mounted an electric motor 52 andl a vibrator shaft 54 having an off center weight 56. Rotation of the shaft 54 will cause vibration of the casing in a substantially horizontal plane when the motor is energized. The motor is mounted in resilient rings 58 of rubber or the like and has a exible connection 60 with the shaft 54 so that the transmission of vibrations of the weight 56` to the motor is minimized. The

vconductor C conducts powerfrom a source, not

shown, to the I2.

As a means of,A universal mounting, I have shown a ring 62 for each vibrating element I2 pivoted on a horizontal axis by means of pintles revolving weight 56 in .the housing 64 mounted in brackets 66 secured to the bottom of the ,box-like supporting element I0 or Illa. The ring 62 in turn supports pintles 68 of the vibrating element I2 which are arranged on a normally horizontal axis at right angles to the axis of the pintles 64.

By the universal mounting just described, it will be obvious that the vibrating elements I2 will normally, depend downwardly into`the concrete mass 20, but can be deflected sidewise away from a center joint or the like shown at 'I0 in Figure 1, or may be deflected rearwardly during travel of the carriage, or to pass over rocks 'I2 or other obstructions as shown in Figure 3 (left end). vIn Figure 4, I have shown how they may be deecte'd to avoid interference with reinforcing bars 14.

I provide an alternative mounting which lwill permit the supporting ring 62 to be moved upwardly for permitting 'the vibrating element I2 to clear obstructions by the construction shown in Figure 9. A forked arm 66a is pivoted at 61 on the support IIJ, and has its spaced arms pivoted to the ,ring 68. A spring 69 holds the arm 66a normally in its lower position, but it can fbe raised relative to the supporting member I0 or I 0a when the vibrating element vstrikes an obstruction.

In combination with the vibrating elements, a screed vor planer 86 may be provided either connected'as by a frame 88 with the supporting member I0 or independent of the vibrating element support. Thus after the concrete is compacted by the vibrating elements, it is leveled off to the desired contour by the screed 86.

In Figure 10, I have shown another form of the invention including a frame 32a and vibrating elements I2b supported thereon by flexible connecting tubes 90 extending from elbows 92. The elbows 92 plow through the plastic material 20, permitting the vibrating elements I2b to trail there-behind and assume positions entirelyv imbedded in the plastic material and adjacent the subgrade.

In connection with either form of the inven-f tion, a screed plate 94 may be provided having a vibrator motor 96 and a vibrator weight 98 for vibrating it and thereby subjecting the surface of the concrete to vibrations as it is struck off by the plate 94. I

When the vibrating elements I2 are operated within the plastic material 29, the energy from each element aiects the plastic mass to a considerable distance in every direction. The elements are suciently lclose together so that the area each affects overlaps the areas affected by A the adjacent elements, thus providing adequate vibration for the entire mass of the plastic material 20.

When the apparatus is positioned as shown in Figure 1, it will vibrate the plastic mass over a zone of considerable width measured laterally from the longitudinal axis of the member Ill. In operation, when the plastic mass 20 has been sufficiently vibrated at one location, the apparatus may be dragged or lifted to a new position longitudinally of the roadway or otherwise, and there allowed to operate for a suitable interval, and by successive movements of this kind, the entire area of theplastic mass may be consolidated and compacted.

In many pavement and foundation structures, xed objects occur, such as the center joints 10, large rocks- 12, or reinforcing rods 14. If the elements I2 were rigidly attached to the supporting member` III, such objects might. be displaced from their desired positions or the vibrating apparatus might be damaged or caused to operate inefiiciently. Therefore the vibrating elements are flexibly attached to the supporting member so that when objects are encountered, the vibrating elements may be easily deflected from their normal vvertical positions.

In Figure, I have shown diagrammatically the action of the apparatus shown in Figures 2 and 3 as the wheels 34 rollalong the side forms, rotating in the direction of the arrow 35. The crank pins' 38 will travel in the arcs indicated by the arrows 39, resulting in the elements I2 successively assuming the ,dotted line positions illustrated.

This causes the elements to be withdrawn from the plastic mass 20 and reinserted at spaced points which are closed enough together, by proper designing of the circumference of the Wheels 34, etc., that the range of vibration of the mass` surrounding each element overlaps in the successive positions of the elements. Thus" by merely rolling the carriage along the side forms, the vibrators are automatically inserted at equally spaced distances, instead of the spaces having to be measuredmor guessed at by lifting concrete at'all times. The type of apparatus shown in Figure 10 is especially designed for operation by continuously moving the frame 32a along the roadway with the vibrating elements remaining continually in the concrete. 'I'he elements may be dragged along while partially inserted in the concrete.

Ordinarily the planer or screed 86 operates sufficiently to bring the surface of the concrete to the desired. contour. When the concrete has an extremely non-flowing characteristic, however, the vibrat-ing plate 94 can be used, which additionally agitates the concrete and causes all voids remaining after the vibrator elements have passed through, to be lled up.

Flexible tubing, springs, rubber rings and the like can be provided for supporting the vibrating elements I2, the types of supports I show being only by way of illustration. With respect to the vibrating mechanisms for the elements I2, they can` be contained in the elements as disclosed, or the supporting members I0 or IIJa can be vibrated for the purpose of vibrating all the elements I2 and without the necessity of providing each one with a vibrating mechanism.

Some variations may be followed in the practice of my method without departing from the real spirit and purpose of my invention. Accordingly, vit is my intention to cover by my claims such use of equivalent method steps as may be reasonably included within their scope.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a road paving machine adapted to travel along a prepared roadway upon which has been distributed an unset and uncompacted concrete mixture, partially submerged tubular vibratory means inclinedA downwardly and rearwardly relative tothe forward end ofthe vmachine and adapted to be advanced'so that the submerged portion of said vibratory means is moved through the concrete with the forward movement of said machine.

2. In a road paving machine adapted to travel along a prepared roadway upon which has been distributed an unset concrete mixture, vibratory means adapted to be pulled through theunset concrete, and a crosswise strike-off bar-rigidly attached to the carriage of said machine and adapted to roughly level oif the top surface of the vibrating concrete mixture between said vibrating means and said strike-off bar.

f 3. In a road paving machine adapted to travel along a prepared roadway upon which has been distributed an unset concrete mixture, partly submergible tubular vibratory means inclined down'- wardly and rearwardly relative to the forward movement of the machine, and a crosswise, topv and expansion members and upon which roadway has been distributed an unset and uncompacted concrete mixture, vibratory means adapted to be moved with the movement of thev machine through the unset concrete, and means for withdrawing and re-inserting the vibratory means to pansion members across the roadway.

5. In a device of the kind described a frame adapted to travel over deposited material as along road forms, a plurality of spaced tubular vibratory members, transverse pivotal supports for attaching said members tothe frame at their upper. ends to permit the vibratory members to be deflected when an obstruction is encountered.

6. In a device of the kind described a frame adapted to travel over deposited material as along road forms, a plurality of spaced tubular vibratory members, transverse pivotal supports for attaching said members to the frame at their upper ends -to permit the vibratory members to be deected when an obstruction is encountered, and resisting means for dampening upward movement of the vibratory members and to yieldingly hold the vibratory members in contact with the material.

7, In an apparatus of the kind described a frame, supporting means for the frame whereby the frame may travel over the body of material, a v ibratory element carried by the frame with its axis at an angle with the vertical and supv frame, supporting means for the frame whereby the frame may travel over a body of material, aA

vibratory element carried by the frame with its axis at an angle with the vertical and supported in position to be at least partially immersed in the material, said element containing an out-ofbalance weight, means for imparting rotation to the weight about a line approximately parallel to the axis of the element for vibrating said element, and means interposed between the frame and the support for elevating and lowering the frame for thereby determining thel elevation of the vibratory element.

ROBERT WILLIAM BAILY. 

